Shocking news coming from pop-punk heavyweights New Found Glory. Former NFG guitarist Steve Klein has been charged with a total of seven sex crimes against minors, including one count of possessing child pornography. It’s been reported that if Klein is found guilty of all seven charges, he could be sentenced to around 27 years in prison.

Klein is a founding member of New Found Glory, rising up with his bandmates as NFG became one of pop-punk’s biggest acts. New Found Glory parted ways with Klein in December 2013, citing “personal differences” as the reason for the split. However, according to a new statement released on New Found Glory’s Facebook page, the band dismissed Klein after the guitarist made his bandmates aware of the possible charges against him.

Upon our return from Warped Tour Australia, Steve made us aware of possible allegations that might be made against him. At that point, not knowing all the details, we made the decision to part ways in order for him to deal with these personal issues. Us 4 members of New Found Glory have given our entire lives to this band and will continue to do so. We’ve been able to play all over the world for the most amazing fans. We can’t wait to get in the studio to make a new album and we can’t wait to get back on the road! Just coming off the Parahoy cruise and a surprise show in our hometown we are more inspired than ever! Thank you so much to everyone around the globe for always sticking by us. The future is bright.

Klein has pleaded ‘not guilty’ to two counts of lewd conduct with a minor under the age of 14, three counts of lewd conduct with a minor 14 or 15, one count of intent to commit a lewd act with a minor + and one count of possession of child pornography.

Klein’s legal representative Debra White has written a defense statement for the guitarist, first appearing on Altpress.com:

It is a difficult challenge to defend oneself in the media when there is a pending criminal case. This is because people are quick to assume that if a person is charged with a crime, they are also guilty as charged. And it is especially difficult because criminal defense attorneys insist that their clients not talk about the case to ensure that their constitutional rights are protected. Furthermore, attorneys are limited by law as to what can and cannot be said about a case to the public.

In the matter of Steve Klein, since his case has now been brought into issue by the media, I am permitted to make a few statements. To that effect, I offer you the following indisputable facts about the accusations:

1. Steve Klein is not accused of having any lewd actual physical contact with any minor.

2. ALL charges against Steve are derived solely from online consensual video chats between Steve and some female strangers he met on an adult website. Steve believed the females were over the age of 18.

3. The females alleged to be “minors” in this case are not known females. This means that no one, not the prosecution, not the police, and not the defense, actually know who the females are and no one knows their true age.

4. The possession of child pornography charge is based solely on Steve allegedly “possessing” the videos of chats with the female strangers from the adult website.

This is about all I am permitted to disclose at this time. But I can tell you, from my many years of experience in this specialty area of criminal defense, I wholeheartedly believe that Steve Klein is innocent of all of these charges.

Steve is devastated by these accusations. He has lost his band, his livelihood, and his ex-wife continues to push for full custody of his children using this case as her pawn while he literally fights for his life. Despite this heavy hand, Steve remains strong and hopeful that he will be vindicated.

The former New Found Glory guitarist is currently free until his next court date on March 20. He also has been summoned for another court appearance set for April 10. Stay tuned as this story develops.

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